Award Year
2025
Why did you choose to enter this work?
I believe deeply in its message: that true magic lies in choosing kindness—even when it’s hard. And I hoped others might feel the same warmth and quiet wonder I felt while creating it.
What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
The fox’s pants! What better way to show emotional vulnerability than see-through trousers? Jokes aside, I really enjoyed working with colour shifts to mirror the fox’s journey.
What excites you most about being shortlisted?
Everything! Being shortlisted helps quiet my self-doubt, it feels like a healing moment. It’s a huge emotional boost, an honour, and a door to new creative possibilities—I’m truly grateful.
Where do you usually work?
I work at home, by a big window overlooking a small terrace. Birds, squirrels, neighbour cats, and occasionally even mice drop by to inspire my stories firsthand.
How long did it take to complete your project?
Creating the illustrations took about a month, but shaping the full story into a picture book took around three—between sketching, rewriting, and arguing with my characters over cheese placement.
What is your dream commission?
My dream commission? A picture book full of warmth, whimsy, and meaning, one that stays with readers long after the last page.
What’s your favourite thing to draw?
Teeth! It’s incredible how much character you can reveal through the size, shape, or placement of just a few teeth. And since most creatures have at least a couple, I never run out of inspiration!
What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Embrace self-doubt. It isn’t always the enemy. Sometimes it sharpens your work more than confidence ever could.
What are your plans for the future?
I keep dreaming up new characters, and I’d love to bring more stories to life—my own, and those written by others. Simply put, I plan to keep creating picture books that light up little hearts.
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Galina GiorgadzeGalina Giorgadze